Senior Project Manager

Apply Now

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Who We Are

The Global Supply Chain Intelligence Institute (GSCII) at the University of Michigan is an inaugural Impact Institutes funded by our Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) aimed to propel interdisciplinary research at the forefront of innovation and societal impact. GSCII is launching one of the first AI-native research institutes dedicated to mapping the upstream, first-mile flows of critical mineral supply chains; building the data architectures, federated governance frameworks, and international partnerships needed to make invisible supply chains visible -- advancing transparency, sustainability, and resilience at a moment of global urgency.

Mission Statement

At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.

To learn more about SEAS and our values, please visit our website at https://seas.umich.edu/about/seas-values.

Job Summary

We are looking for a part-time Senior Project Manager who wants to help build something new from the ground up. Working closely with the institute Director and co-investigators, you will be a true institutional co-builder -- helping launch the institute, grow partnerships, and establish the operational foundation for sustained impact. This is not a role for someone who wants to manage a steady-state operation; it is for someone energized by the start-up phase of an ambitious initiative. You'll also be able to increase your knowledge of the GSCII's specific content area, vision and goals.

This is an eighteen (18) month temporary position with the possibility to grow into a full-time role depending on funding obtained during this developmental phase. The role is part-time (approximately 20 hours a week) and hybrid with on-site expectations in Ann Arbor, MI. You may work evenings and weekends for occasional events and travel.  For questions about this role or accommodations, email [email protected].

Responsibilities*

In close partnership with the institute's Director Professor Joshua Newell and co-investigators, you will help launch and grow GSCII across six areas during the 18-month seed phase:

  • Consortium & Network Building: In partnership with the Director, identify and cultivate relationships with potential consortium members across government (USGS, DOE, DOD, IEA, OECD), industry (S&P Global, Benchmark Minerals, major battery and automotive firms), NGOs, and producer-country governments in Chile, Australia, Indonesia, and the DRC. Actively network with relevant U-M units and personnel to build the internal relationships that support cross-campus collaboration
  • Partnerships & Agreements: Support institute Director in developing MOUs, data-sharing agreements, and formal research collaborations, coordinating with University legal and sponsored programs offices.
  • Workshops & Deliverables: Help plan and execute two workshops and support production of the consortium white paper and roadmap.
  • Institute Communications & Presence: Help coordinate the development and maintenance of a website; draft and coordinate institute communications including partner updates, annual reports, event materials, and funding correspondence.
  • Institute Operations & Strategy: Organize internal meetings, plan annual leadership retreat, support preparation of external and internal grant applications, help recruit and support the External Advisory Boards, and manage the institute's budget and sponsored project administration.
  • OVPR Liaison & Compliance: Serve as a point of contact between GSCII and the OVPR Impact Institutes office; maintain project management systems and detailed records to ensure continuity and compliance across a distributed team.  Network with other project leads.

Required Qualifications*

  • Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 3+ years of demonstrated experience applying project management best practices in complex organizational settings.
  • Experience managing multi-stakeholder projects. 
  • Proficiency in program development and strategic planning with strong business acumen.
  • Demonstrated experience managing concurrent workstreams and ambiguity. 
  • Expert proficiency working independently, building relationships and taking initiative. 
  • Proficiency in AI use for efficiency, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and database systems.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Part-time, $40-$44/hour to start.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.